Across almost 90 years as an industrial organisation of employers, the association’s rules have been amended regularly to comply with State and most recently Commonwealth legislative and regulatory requirements. Sometimes the changes are extensive, such as in 2014 for registration under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. Under that Act, we must undertake annually a formal review of our rules. The recent review identified some changes or amendments required for administration, governance, compliance or correction.
Essential to this process is that members are informed on the amendments so as to ‘have your say’ before going to the vote at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for approval. Ultimately an application detailing the alterations will be submitted to the Fair Work Commission’s Regulatory Compliance Branch for certification.
The underlying strength of MTA Queensland is members ‘having your say’ on rule changes or divisional industry matters for action through the corporate office or through their representative as a Board Director on compliance, administrative and policy issues. This does not mean having to attend meetings, or to participate in a teleconference. There are instances when you can ‘have your say’ by responding to a survey. The general practice is to draw attention to the survey through the weekly industry bulletin which seeks you to register your expression of interest for hosting a specific event. And, you can express your viewpoint at any time directly to me or the corporate office.
Equally important is the corporate office leadership on policy and industry developments occurring in your specific trade so that members are appraised of pending changes or events. This is achieved by government and stakeholders recognising and communicating with MTA Queensland as the effective and recognised peak industry representative for the motor trades.
The weekly industry bulletin is the primary advisory to keep members informed on policy and motor trade transformations. At another level, collaborations with academia, corporations and service professionals facilitate learnings which are conveyed to members through the Motor Trader or fora such as the Carmageddon symposiums, or industry events similar to the Garage at the Myriad Festival.
Advocacy
Central to successful advocacy is corporate office knowledge of members’ views so that these may be accurately represented at stakeholder meetings and in submissions to government and agencies.
As divisional committee members know, I attend meetings to be informed on your views. It is important that you do have your say at these fora. Without your input, the practical knowledge to influence decision-making in the advocacy process is weakened where it should be strong and informed.
By way of example, recent discussions with officers from the Departments of Justice and Energy and Water (the Department) on the real-time fuel price reporting trial was assisted by having first-hand understanding of the views of the Service Station and Convenience Store Association members.
At their divisional meeting, the intent and policy of the trial had been discussed, and this was included in the submission on the consultation regulatory impact statement of the fuel price reporting trial. It was with confidence that Group Chief Executive Dr Brett Dale, Chairman Tim Kane and I were able to participate in the discussion from the perspective of the members.
All members should note that the Queensland Government will commence a mandatory two-year fuel price reporting trial before the end of this year to give Queensland motorists access to timely and accurate fuel prices. As part of the trial, all fuel retailers will be required to enter their fuel prices into a reporting system within 30 minutes of a price change at the pump. These reported prices will then be provided for free to existing and new smartphone apps and websites such as MotorMouth, GasBuddy, PetrolSpy, RACQ and Compare the Market, for use by motorists. In the near future, the Department will provide the details to retailers about how to sign up for the system and fulfil the pending fuel price reporting obligations.
Members’ viewpoints were represented in two recent submissions. The first was a response to the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Skills for Queensland discussion paper which MTA Institute General Manager Paul Kulpa had carriage.
Drawing on member’s views and long held policy positions, three key strategies to advance the apprenticeship and training system for the motor trades were proposed. They were:
- addressing the pre-requisite academic requirements e.g. the foundation skills of literacy, numeracy and digital proficiency for a secondary school student to enter or complete a trade apprenticeship;
- resourcing the apprenticeship and traineeship system with the learning environments and the instructors with the skill sets to equip students for the new industry dynamics which includes the emerging technologies, digital literacy, innovation, and automation; and
- the recognition of the ‘automotive value chain’ as a ‘key industry area.’
The second was a supplementary submission to the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles following Brett’s evidence at recent public hearings.
Senators sought further information on what the federal government needed to do to assist the automotive value workforce, and an assessment of the workforce required going forward.
Comprehensive responses were provided to each of the questions. Both submissions are on the website for members’ perusal.
Paint and Panel Awards
Each year the national autobody repair industry gathers socially to celebrate excellence. Our National Auto Collision Alliance (NACA) members should be proud of the results arising from the 2018 Paint and Panel Awards. They were:
- Eagle Smash Repairs – best boutique;
- Holmes Smash Repairs (Toowoomba) – best large shop;
- Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist – best new shop;
- Willmot Smash Repairs Specialist – best new ship national winner; and
- Gold Coast Collision Centre – best customer experience.
Congratulations to each the proprietors and staff on the awards received and for their outstanding shop presentations, professionalism and consumer satisfaction. There was strong competition for the awards, and we share with the winners the joy of their achievements as entrepreneurs and award successes.
Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program
In previous Viewpoints, I’ve referred to the ISMAA program. I do so again to highlight that MTA Queensland is a program provider and has a team of highly skilled industry mentors with the passion to nurture individual apprentices through their various courses.
Support options for the apprentices vary, such as face-to-face, email, mobile phone or other preferred contact. Mentors assist with a wide range of matters that may confront the apprentice, including providing support in the development of technical skills; supporting off-the-job learning needs; career and pathway advice related to the automotive industry; and motivation and confidence building to help achieve potential and build resilience.
The program aim is for apprentices to progress personally, professionally, and successfully through their chosen trade, particularly in the first two years of training. By doing so, this will increase apprentice retention rates, improve completion rates and support the supply of skilled workers in industries undergoing structural change such as the automotive value chain. Contact details for our mentors is on the MTA Queensland website.
Finally
Following up on defective Takata airbags affecting more than 2,300,000 vehicles across sixty models, two effective and easy websites are available to check whether your vehicles are safe. The Australian car industry led by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, has an online portal www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au. To check, simply enter the number plate details.
The Australian Competition and Commission also has a website: www.productsafety.gov.au/recalls/compulsory-takata-airbag-recall
Until next month, take care and stay safe.